Hostage Life
| Company type | Independent band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Defunct | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums, singles, EPs |
Hostage Life was a punk rock group originating from Toronto, Canada.
History
Established in 2002, Hostage Life debuted with their EP Sing for the Enemy, released through Toronto’s independent punk label Underground Operations, which also supported bands such as Closet Monster and Protest The Hero. Their sophomore album, Walking Papers, issued on the same label, earned favorable critiques. The album’s primary single, "This Song Was Written By A Committee," received notable rotation on Toronto’s alternative radio station CFNY. Vocalist Colin Lichti had previously led the Brampton-based band Marylin's Vitamins. Hostage Life appeared at prominent festivals including the SCENE Music Festival in St. Catharines, Ontario, sharing the stage with artists like Alexisonfire and City And Colour, as well as Toronto’s 2006 edition of Wakestock, where they performed alongside groups such as Social Code and Sloan. Their concluding performance took place on November 20, 2009, at Sneaky Dee's. Although speculation suggested their disbandment was related to a possible Marylin's Vitamins reunion, no reunion transpired. Misunderstandings about this reunion stemmed from audio effects employed by Lichti during interviews, reflecting influences from the trip-hop genre prevalent at the time.
Members
Last known lineup
- Colin Lichti: lead vocals
- Hai Vu: guitar, backing vocals
- Patrick Mathers: guitar, backing vocals
- Shamus Mathers: bass guitar, backing vocals
- Paul Miller: drums, backing vocals
Previous members
- Eric Gaudet: bass guitar, backing vocals
- Adam Smith: guitar, backing vocals
- John Elksnitis: guitar, backing vocals
Studio albums
- Sing for the Enemy (2004)
- Walking Papers (2006)
- White Jesus 7inch (2008)
- Centre of the Universe (2009)
Singles
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | This Song Was Written By A Committee | Walking Papers |
| 2007 | Sons of Hostage Life | Walking Papers |
| 2007 | Securing My Seat | Walking Papers |
Compilations
| Year | Title | Compilation |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Securing My Seat | The Sounds of Struggle! (EF Records) |